Improving Productivity of Pulses Using Plant Growth Regulators: A Review

Abstract

India ranks first both as producer and consumer of pulses. It is also the largest importer of pulses as the total domestic requirement outweighs total production. So, to attain self-sufficiency in terms of pulse production the constraints in cultivation need to be addressed. Pulse production faces a series of constraints which include its inherent physiological limitations. These limitations include lower germination percentage, source limitation, low leaf area development, indeterminate growth habit, C3 photosynthetic apparatus, slow initial dry matter accumulation, limited photosynthesis, hormones inhibitors, decline in nodule activity and diversion of metabolic energy to sinks for protein synthesis. To overcome these limitations simple agronomic techniques such as application of growth hormones are adopted. This paper critically reviews the physiological constraints of pulses and effect of growth regulators to improve these limitations and concomitantly increasing yield.

​Identification of Low Light Tolerant Blackgram Varieties with Respect to Morpho-physiology and Yield

“…Lesser production and persistence of leaves during harvest stage was also reported by Yamini (2019) in blackgram variety CO 6 in open condition. Number of branches per plant also showed the same trend as that of number of leaves which could be due to the lesser vegetative growth during the later period of growth as well as increased influx of photosynthates to the reproductive parts (Deol et al, 2018).…”

Proceeding

“…Production of pigeon pea faces a series of constraints, which include its inherent physiological limitations, lower germination percentage, source limitation, low leaf area development, indeterminate growth habit, C3 photosynthetic apparatus, slow initial dry matter accumulation, hormone inhibitors, the decline in nodule activity, and diversion of metabolic energy to sinks for protein synthesis. Some of these limitations can be effectively resolved through agronomic techniques such as the application of growth hormones (Deol et al, 2018), augmenting the pollinator population in the crop field. In legumes, reproductive structures are covered by keel petals, and solitary bee Megachile can effectively pollinate this by tripping mechanism.…”

Nutrient and PGR Based Foliar Feeding for Yield Maximization in Pulses: A Review

“…in case of redgram, the actual yield is 74% lower than that of its potential yield as reported by Tiwari and Shivhare, 2017. The important factors for yield reduction in pulses are; ecological factors, socio-economic constraints, constraints in post-harvest technology, susceptibility to pest and diseases, varietal constraints, low input use and physiological limitations. Among these, physiological limitations have significant importance as it reduces the yield drastically in pulses (Karamanos and Gimmenz, 1991;Narayanan and Kumar 2015;Deol et al, 2018).…”

“…It is because nutrients given via soil can be lost through leaching and volatilization. Also adverse soil conditions like inadequate soil moisture, water logging, salinity, pH imbalance etc would make unable the plants to absorb nutrients (Deol et al, 2018). This lack of nutrients especially at critical stage may result in flower abscission, flower drop leading to poor pod setting and reduced yield (Mahala et al, 2001).…”

“…They are good source of vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, niacin and minerals like iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) (Venkidasamy et al, 2019). About 33% of world area and 22% of world production of pulses is contributed by India covering an area of about 28.1 mha with an annual production of 18.31 mt, with a productivity of 835 kg ha -1 (Deol et al, 2018). Average per capita consumption of pulses in India has shown a declining trend from 64 g in 1950 to 35 g day -1 in 2011, however, it has increased to 56 g day -1 in 2018 (Tiwari and Shivhare, 2017).…”